Mixed tribes from Asian steppe Nomadic herders, horsemen, archers
Russia China Arabia
Rise of Temujin (Ghengis Khan) United enough tribes in Central Asia Proclaimed himself Khan Reorganized army (ruler) Led 1st great wave of conquest
Areas Conquered by Mongols Northern China Silk Road to Samarkand Western China, Southern Song West to Russia & Ukraine (Golden Horde) South to Indian border Southwest to Turkey & Middle East See Map – Mongol Empire
Efficiently organized Perfected war techniques Why Successful??? Talented cavalrymen Nomadic roots Efficiently organized Perfected war techniques Each area was in a state of decay
World Empire stretching over 3 Continents Pax Mongolica Single Authority from China Turkey Encouraged economic exchange Destroyed then rebuilt cities
Pax Mongolica Legal order -Revitalized Silk Road - Safe travel - Rest Stations - Fortified outposts
Ruling an Empire Yasa Law Code – Adopted best ideas Paper currency -recruited outside experts Paper currency Postal System – the Yam Adopted religion or were tolerant
Weaknesses 1. Too big 2. No modern communication
Weaknesses 3. Black Plague 4. Unwilling to advance its weaponry
Weaknesses 5. Areas of Rebellion: - Russia - China - Islamic World